As ski season descends upon us—not as quickly as we would like (hello, where is the snow?!)—The Lodge, Coffee + Wine Bar, ramps up for its busy season. Most eateries with a great view and an expansive outdoor patio call summer their golden months, but for The Lodge it’s the ski bums that keep the business running.
Set near the Galena Forest on Mount Rose Highway, most winters snow-capped trees are viewed from The Lodge windows, beckoning those chilled from a day on the mountain into the warm haven. A steaming cup of coffee or a hot cocktail may be the first choice for thawing from the inside out, but it’s the robust collection of wine that gives the shop its niche.
Small but welcoming, The Lodge, connected internally to a ski shop, houses small tables and a particularly cozy corner finished with couches. In that corner, sky-high wooden cases hold a delicious and varied selection of wine from which guests can pluck a bottle. Take some home or grab a bottle for the table—there are a lot of big bold reds and lighter pinot noirs.
A small cooler in the corner holds sparkling wines, white wines and brews. Not to mention, on tap there’s a collection of hoppier options for those who fancy themselves beer drinkers.
One of the more enlightening aspects of the wine and coffee shop is its wine flights. At any given time, two flights are available—one red and one white. The sips change as new bottles emerge, but in every flight there are three wines to try, presented in stemless glasses on gorgeous serving platters marked with chalk so each is easily identifiable at all times.
If you’re curious to learn more, a binder full of wine notes is available upon request.
The drinks here are king, but the fare holds up just fine. A small selection of pizzas and paninis accompany appetizers. My personal favorite is the charcuterie board, made with a collection of crackers, cheeses, meats and accoutrements such as olives, fruits and more. The collection seems to be at least mainly sourced from Trader Joe’s, with recognizable favorites such as a blueberry encased goat cheese and creamy smoked gouda.
The offerings may rotate but on our visit a large board included a harder manchego, two types of crackers, a few meats and a cornucopia of olives and dried and fresh fruit.
A hummus plate and a smaller charcuterie board for lighter appetites or fewer people, are also available.
The hours expand as ski season gets underway, but year-round the shop is open to guests. Stop in for a hot coffee on your way up to Mount Rose or recover with something boozier on your way back from a grueling day on the Tahoe slopes. Either way, you’ll be happy you did—and surrounded by your own, sipping away in snow pants and beanies, chatting about your next big snow-venture.
